New Year’s Day has also become a popular day for swimmers looking to start 2026 with a dip in the sea.
In Camber Sands, The Gallivant hotel will organise its annual new year swim, led by a wild swim coach from 10:00 to 11:00.
The swim is followed by a hot drink at the hotel, and the event is free for the community, but also raises money for Blood Cancer UK for those wishing to give.
The Big Dip in West Wittering will also return for another year from 13:00 on 1 January, with registration from 11:00.
The event, which was cancelled in 2025 over weather concerns, also attracts fancy dressers looking to inject an element of fun into their new year tradition.
However, people have been warned to take care.
Michael Grier, Brighton & Hove City Council’s seafront operations and contract manager, said: “Cold water sea swimming takes skill, stamina and knowledge of the physical dangers and should only be for the very experienced, using suitable wetsuits, in very calm conditions and with friends.
“Even on a calm day, sea currents, unpredictable waves or a sudden change in weather can create life-threatening hazards without warning.”